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Posted by: Ctodd Nov 12 2009, 03:12 PM

The only Electric guitar I own is a Fender Mexican Strat.

recently, over the passed few months, I've only found myself learning metal-oriented stuff and I was thinking... "What could I do to this guitar to make it sound more metal-ish"

that's where you guys come in... I know nothing about anything about changing pickups, or what pickups I should get, or what the price range is for pickups. My price range is about $50-60, again, I have no idea, maybe this range is only good enough to get my some really crappy pickups, or none at all.

Also if I were to go with what you suggest, for a more metal sound, how would that effect the sound if I would go back and try to play bluesy stuff or Rock? (in case i have a change of heart in what I want to learn after I change pickups )

oh and my guitar is SSH, two single coils and a humbucker near the bridge.

thanks!

-Chris

Posted by: ZakkWylde Nov 12 2009, 04:33 PM

Try to get a used Seymour Duncan Tb-4 or Tb-5 for your strat. Those humbuckers are very versatile and they will do Metal, rock and even blues in your guitar!

Posted by: Sensible Jones Nov 12 2009, 05:13 PM

What other gear are you using Chris?
Why not invest the money in a decent 2nd hand FX unit?
For the money it'll be a far better option than replacement Pups! Save a bit more and then think about changing them.

Posted by: Ctodd Nov 12 2009, 06:53 PM

All I can find are new Tb-4 and Tb-5 pickups, which are about $75. Reviews are good for the Tb-4 so maybe that will be an option. I'll look around more.




right now I almost exclusively play through my computer's speakers via a line6 toneport, which came with line6's gearbox software. So I have access to amp models and stuff like that.

Also... If I wanted to replace the single coils with something else to get an improved bluesy rock sound, what would I go with? Is it a good idea to "mix" pickups. That is, would it be a good idea to have a "metal" humbucker and more blues-oriented single coil pickups? is this usually done by other people?

so many questions, I know . thanks for your responses guys.

-Chris

Posted by: ZakkWylde Nov 12 2009, 06:55 PM

Think more like 300$ for a complete set of new pickups.

You CAN mix bluesy coils with a metal humbucker but you have to match the outputs a little to prevent drastic diffrences in volume (bridge would be louder than neck and middle)

Posted by: Ctodd Nov 12 2009, 06:58 PM

wow, quick response, thanks. sounds like I'll be limiting myself to just changing the humbucker. thanks

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Nov 14 2009, 02:16 AM

My vote for JB humbucker, it's good for everything, and a very common replacement for stock bridge hums.